FUN WITH MAPS – REWIND SPECIAL –
ISSUE 2025-38

By Steve Kovacs (Introduction by Chuck Gibson)

LOVELAND, OH (February 27, 2025) – In this special REWIND edition of Fun with Maps originally published 2/27/2023 by Steve Kovacs, we let the good times roll on Bourbon Street. (NOTE: Steve Kovacs is currently on a 1-week hiatus and will return with fresh Fun with Maps stories Friday, February 28th. Enjoy these “rewinds” until his return.)

THROWS OF GREEN, PURPLE, AND GOLD

Although Mardi Gras celebrations are held all over the world, it is the famous New Orleans parades that capture all the attention in the United States.  The first official New Orleans Mardi Gras parade took place on this date in 1837, and the good times have been rolling on ever since.

Purple, gold, and green are the celebratory colors for partying.  Purple for justice, green for faith, and gold for power – the colors were used by the Krewe of Rex.

The Krewe of Rex was founded in 1872 and has held more parades than any other group.  Originally made up of descendants of European aristocracy, the membership was kept secret and selective.  Although the membership roll is now a public record, the group continues its tradition of public service and is one of the biggest parades held on the actual Mardi Gras day.

Look for Float 4 – the one with the traditional fatted ox.  Many of the costumed butchers and bakers aboard are former Kings of the Carnival.

This pictorial map of New Orleans’ French Quarter was created by Myra Barnes in 1942.

Steve Kovacs and his wife Theresa reside in Loveland, Ohio where they raised their two children. He is a passionate collector of antique maps.

Visit his antique map boutique world-on-paper online. Watch for his daily feature Steve Kovacs: Fun with Maps here on Loveland Beacon.